
Unexplainable
Unexplainable takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know…and then keeps on going. The Unexplainable team — Noam Hassenfeld, Julia Longoria, Byrd Pinkerton, and Meradith Hoddinott — tackles scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and everything we learn diving into the unknown. New episodes every Wednesday.
Latest episodes

68 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 37min
Why do we yawn?
Dr. Andrew Gallup discusses the mysteries of yawning, including its contagious nature, role in brain temperature regulation, and evolutionary history across different species. The podcast challenges misconceptions about yawning, explores its medical implications, and highlights its benefits for cognitive functioning and social bonding.

15 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 27min
Embracing economic chaos
Physicist explores chaos theory in predicting economy, strange attractors and unpredictable patterns. Economic chaos, teaching kids about money, agent-based simulations in predicting climate change, embracing uncertainties in life.

34 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 30min
We still don’t really know how inflation works
Delving into the mystery of inflation surge, the podcast explores factors behind the unexpected rise impacting voters. It discusses central banks shaping public beliefs on economy stability and the challenges they face. The chapter also questions the extent of people's impact on inflation expectations post-pandemic.

39 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 23min
Can you put a price on nature?
Exploring the economic value of bats in agriculture and biodiversity, the challenges of assigning a monetary value to ecological services, and the impact of white-nose syndrome. Delving into the complexities of valuing nature beyond monetary terms, considering non-use values and societal dynamics. Emphasizing the need to estimate economic benefits of preserving nature to prevent future pandemics. Previewing the Fed's role in controlling inflation in the next episode.

32 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 28min
The deepest spot in the ocean
Explore the uncharted mystery of the ocean's depths, from the Challenger Deep to groundbreaking mapping projects. Dive into the journey of marine biologist Nicole Yamase as she descends to the deepest point and uncover the importance of accurate seafloor mapping in revolutionizing our understanding of Earth's geological processes.

23 snips
Jun 5, 2024 • 28min
What’s the tallest mountain in the world?
Exploring the debate over the tallest mountains aside from Everest, the challenges of measuring Mount Everest's height, and the cultural significance of mountain height in the climbing community. Also, discussing the simplicity of using the Zachtok app for doctor appointments and the comfort and style of Bombas socks amid fashion trends.

9 snips
May 22, 2024 • 27min
Did trees kill the world?
The podcast explores how ancient forests may have caused a mass extinction, discussing the evolution of trees, impact on climate, and parallels with human activities. Dive into Earth's mysterious past and reflect on the potential for a sixth mass extinction.

25 snips
May 15, 2024 • 37min
Can we stop aging?
From blood transfusions to enzyme boosters, the podcast delves into the latest research on the search for eternal youth. It explores the effects of young blood on aging, controversial NAD boosters, and factors influencing longevity like social connections and lifestyle choices.

14 snips
May 8, 2024 • 20min
Who's the daddy? There isn't one.
Explore the phenomenon of asexual reproduction in snakes, rays, and sharks. Learn about the research into parthenogenesis in various species, including birds and crocodiles. Delve into the speculative concepts and skepticism surrounding parthenogenesis, with insights into the reproductive challenges faced by parthenogenetic snakes. Uncover the mysteries of parthenogenesis in vertebrates and the ongoing debate about its significance.

14 snips
May 1, 2024 • 18min
Itch hunt
Delving into the intriguing world of itch sensation, this podcast explores how scientists are uncovering its complexities beyond skin-deep. From the shared nerve pathways connecting itch to internal organs to the intricate connections with inflammation, listeners are taken on a journey through the groundbreaking discoveries in itch science. The episode also touches on personal experiences with eczema and hints at the future potential for personalized itch treatments.
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